So, No More Search Key?

Hmm, tough question to answer. The new ARM Samsung Chromebook had the search key just like previous Chromebooks, its just the Acer Chromebook that had this problem. But this is the latest Chromebook. Something new in the latest Chromebook does signal something but for Google, Samsung ARM Chromebook is more important than the Acer one. It always has been like that. Samsung Chromebooks received more media attention and Google made some good effort to promote them as well.

So, my assumption is this. Google is giving hardware partners some choice with Chrome OS and Chromebooks. Remember the recent change in code allowing OEMs to put their own wallpapers? Acer decided to put the caps lock key back on their Chromebook.

Update: A search key (with a search icon) is still there on the Chromebook.

I personally prefer the search key. After using the Cr-48, I found it so much more useful than the Caps Lock key. Although, switching back to a Windows PC after using a Chromebook for a while can be troublesome, because you will keep hitting the Caps Lock key when trying to do a search.

It’s maddening.

http://chromestory.com Dinu

but on the other hand, people moving from windows to Chromebooks for the first time (which is happening a lot these days) will find this good?

Clay

I think so. When I show off my Chromebook to family & friends, one of the first things they notice is the search key. And they use it. A lot. Even months later, they still find the search key is so much more convenient than either opening a new tab to search, or even just clicking in the omnibar.

With all the time I spend on a computer, I would bet I use the Caps Lock key less than 1% of the time. However, I do numerous searches every day.

http://chromestory.com Dinu

thanks for the input I was thinking that it will be too hard to switch to this.. but yes, caps lock is rarely used..

Mike

Wow they put a key back that on all of my pc’s I immediately disable. OMG!!!

James

Um, I see search keys. One is on the winkey and the other is on the context menu key. The one on the winkey certainly makes sense, more so than the original position.

http://cougarabogado.blogspot.com Cougar Abogado

I assume it will have the same functionality as other Chromebooks (i.e., people could switch it to the search key if they wanted).

John Crosskey

I found the chromebook with searchkey completely unusable because it was always taking me back to the search page. I use the CAPS LOCK a lot and it is quicker and easier especially for ACRONYMNS and CONSTANTS. I’m quite happy with the ability to change the function of that KEY according to individual preference, it doesn’t matter what it says on the button.

I love the chromebook though and am amazed at the things it does with HTML5 and all the rest. I have just set up a JAVA ISP and am able to login to the UNIX server over SSH (CTRL_ALT_T) and am using SHIFT-EDIT as my source code editor. I think Google will be very well placed when the penny finally drops how very useful this thin client is for cloud computing.